The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
